So, today when I was reading an article, I thought about something I don't really understand.

William is officially employed in the RAF right? But of course he has royal duties. Articles have been talking about the fact that he had to ask off for his wedding and honeymoon just like other enlisted people. So, how does that work with his royal duties? Does he have to ask off and be granted permission to go to those too? Or does that trump his employment in the RAF? Does that add time to his enlistment for the days he misses for his royal duties?

What I thought one of the commentators said was that he will finishing serving his time in the RAF--which is less than a year, then he'll start on the royal duties. Time off does not extend a commission--you get so many days off per year. It just depends on if you can get the days off that you want--like any other job.

(oh--and I would imagine as a pilot, he's a commisioned officer--not enlisted--just a technicality!)

Yeah one of the commentators did say that. But they are coming to Canada and the US in June/July and at least the Canada part of the trip is supposed to be an official visit. So, isn't that considered royal duties? What about christening the boat and St Andrews before the wedding...weren't those part of his royal duties? So, maybe they meant that he would finish his enlistment (is there a better word?) before they start their full time royal duties?

Yeah one of the commentators did say that. But they are coming to Canada and the US in June/July and at least the Canada part of the trip is supposed to be an official visit. So, isn't that considered royal duties? What about christening the boat and St Andrews before the wedding...weren't those part of his royal duties? So, maybe they meant that he would finish his enlistment (is there a better word?) before they start their full time royal duties?

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Commission

I thought the June/July thing was considered part of the honeymoon--and if you are the heir to the throne, your leave time is most likely more flexible.

Do you think she might wear things like that to show off her muscles? Her shoulders scream, "I was in the Olympics!"

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I think it's great that she shows off her figure - she's athletic and fit. I just don't like the fit of that dress, or the angle of the shot; makes her look bulky. There are lots of pictures of her in strapless or one-shouldered dresses in which she looks much, much better.

Though I have to admit, I'm a sucker for this suit, and that hat! Very dramatic.

Yeah one of the commentators did say that. But they are coming to Canada and the US in June/July and at least the Canada part of the trip is supposed to be an official visit. So, isn't that considered royal duties? What about christening the boat and St Andrews before the wedding...weren't those part of his royal duties? So, maybe they meant that he would finish his enlistment (is there a better word?) before they start their full time royal duties?

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This is what I think. He and Harry do occasionally do an official event, but for the most part, they've been allowed to stay in the background and do their military jobs.

No pictures of little James in this article, but he was there. Pity the one picture that's really been making the rounds isn't there. They were all in the Royal Box greeting The Queen and she's holding the brim of Louise's cap in such a way it looks like one of those "Hmmm...I wonder who is under this hat?" moments. It's just such a Granny thing to do, but for HM to do that in public is so rare and it's also a picture where you can tell HM is genuinely happy and it's not her "working" face.

It truly is a wonderful picture and I'm surprised it's not part of that article. Regardless, it's lovely to see so many pictures of Lady Louise since we don't see her that often.

Fergus, I've been thinking about starting a general Royalty thread for the last week and a half, but just didn't get around to it. Thanks for doing it!!

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Cheers, my pleasure!

Pity the one picture that's really been making the rounds isn't there. They were all in the Royal Box greeting The Queen and she's holding the brim of Louise's cap in such a way it looks like one of those "Hmmm...I wonder who is under this hat?" moments. It's just such a Granny thing to do, but for HM to do that in public is so rare and it's also a picture where you can tell HM is genuinely happy and it's not her "working" face.

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There's a rather dishy article I stumbled upon online about HMQ and her relationship with Sophie and the Wessex kids.

Seems that both HMQ and the DoE adore Louise and James and are quite the doting grandparents!

Let me hunt around for it again so I can post the link......

Regardless, it's lovely to see so many pictures of Lady Louise since we don't see her that often.

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She was so obviously happy and excited to be on the balcony after the Wedding, it was delightful to see.

And its amazing how much she looks like her grandmother and her Auntie Anne.

Last time I saw a picture of her out was for the funeral of her aunt, Princess Antoinette back in late March. Other than that, I don't know. But what I do know, is that she should either stay out of the sun or lay off the self tanners. Almost every picture I've seen her in in the past 3 years have her looking like an oompa loompa.